New Army Chief Pledges Inclusive Leadership, Urges Commanders To Innovate Panacea For Security Challenges

New Army Chief Pledges Inclusive Leadership, Urges Commanders To Innovate Panacea For Security Challenges

In a vital move towards repositioning the Nigerian Army (NA) for effective delivery on its mandate, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his resolve to adopt an all inclusive leadership approach to foster a collaborative and effective army, capable of addressing the nation’s security challenges.

The Army Chief disclosed this on Monday 9 December 2024, while addressing Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters after a Regimental Quarter Guard procedure to conclude the final stage of his formal taking over of command as the 24th Chief of Army Staff. During the significant occasion, the COAS commended officers and soldiers of the NA for the support, strength, and commitment shown during the solemn period leading to the burial of the erstwhile COAS, Late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja whom he noted to have offered dedicated service to the nation.

General Oluyede emphasized the importance of innovation in profering security solutions and urged commanders to think creatively and develop novel strategies to combat emerging threats.

Recalling his recent visit to troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operation, the COAS assured of his commitment to providing the troops with the needed support and morale toward ending terrorism insurgency in Nigeria.

The COAS noted that the NA recognizes the fluidity of the emerging security challenges as well as the rapidly evolving security landscape and is determined to stay ahead of the curve. He enjoined commanders at all levels to fashion out innovative ways to end terrorism and insurgency in the northeast and other volatile regions in the country.

Earlier, the Chief of Administration, Major General Ohwonigho Akpor had described the event as a solemn regimental procedure, where the old NA flag has to be retired to NA museum for custody, instead of being presented to the outgoing COAS for retention, as an honour and reminder of his command of the NA.